About

Art of Hai Bà Trưng

$2,525

pledged of $600 goal

70

backers

Thi Sách and Trưng Trắc riding through Sài Gòn

Hai Bà Trưng, translated to “the two Trưng sisters”, is an adaptation of the legend of Trưng Trắc and Trưng Nhị, who liberated Vietnam from Han China in 43 CE after the death of Trắc's husband, Thi Sách. Reimagined in modern day Saigon/Ho Chi Minh City as a revenge bike gang drama, Hai Bà Trưng’s events follow Trắc and Nhị in their search for Thi Sách’s murderer. The dimensions of the art book will be 6.625" x 10.25" (standard American comic book size) and will feature 40 pages of concept art, illustrations and process work.

Left to right: Trưng Trắc, Thi Sách, Tô Định and Trưng Nhị

The experiences of displaced Asian people—Southeast Asian people in particular—are rarely discussed in mainstream Western media. By adapting Hai Bà Trưng in a modern setting, I explore native Vietnamese folklore by recontextualizing it with contemporary themes such as cultural diaspora and the effects of interpersonal heartbreak.

As a second generation Vietnamese-American, I’ve always felt a sense of cultural displacement in my ethnic identity. Hai Bà Trưng has been a labor of love and self-exploration, which has helped me grow as an artist and a storyteller. After releasing my art book, I will move forward with Hai Bà Trưng as a long-form narrative, and I would love to share my experience with your support.

Left to right: Trưng Nhị, Thi Sách, Trưng Trắc, and Tô Định

Stretch Goals + Rewards:

Risks and challenges

I’m working with a tight deadline and want to have all of the art books and rewards of the campaign ready to sell at the Communication Arts Senior Expo, on May 5th. The art book is over halfway completed and will be ready to send off to print before the expo. Therefore, I need the art book proofed and ready to print by April 24th.